Abortion law one of the most liberal, says Dana

Presidential candidate Dana Rosemary Scallon has described Ireland's law on abortion as "one of the most liberal in Europe". However, as President she would be able to do "absolutely nothing" about this, she told the audience on RTE's Questions and Answers last night.

"We do have it available if people want to come in and open an abortion clinic because we have no time limits," she said. However, the President had no rights to hold back legislation; all she could do was to refer it to the Supreme Court.

Asked about the judgment in the X case, Dana said that as President she would not be able to "change, add or subtract" from it. The President could only look to what the people wanted.

She called for the Constitution to be changed to allow the "people's candidates" to stand for election and expressed "absolute delight" that Mr Derek Nally had followed her example in obtaining a nomination from county councillors. "I didn't open a process only to close it behind me again. It's a real celebration of democracy in this country that councillors in every party have voted to uphold this constitutional right. They should be congratulated, not punished."

This was Dana's first major appearance on RTE in the campaign, although she has been widely interviewed on British and US television. Soft-voiced but confident, she appeared at ease with the questions from the audience and the interjections of her co-panellists, Mr Pat Rabbitte (DL), Mr Alan Dukes (FG) and Chris Flood (FF).

Responding to questions on the funding of her campaign, she said that up to now her family had provided the finance. "I have not had a penny from any organisation or church. I have not deliberately asked for anything as I want to stand alone."

She did not fundraise while in the US last week: "They didn't offer it and I couldn't take it anyway, because you need a legal document entitling you to do this".

There was nothing in the Constitution to say the President had to be a politician or a "fine legal mind". She said the first President, Douglas Hyde, was a "playwright, poet and scholar". "I do believe the artists, writers and musicians better define the spirit of the country that the politicians and the legal minds."

Pressed on whether she had the necessary experience for the job, she replied that she would also consult with the Council of State, "a team of extremely brainy individuals waiting to advise you when you can breathe in and when you can breathe out".

Asked whether Mr Ray Burke should have to step aside as Minister for Foreign Affairs while the tribunal investigates planning matters in Dublin, she said she would find this "very difficult".

"I would be very sensitive to replacing him at this time, when such sensitive matters are being discussed in the North.

"Let's act on the tradition of this country, that you're innocent until you're proven guilty, but let's also have a thorough investigation."